More than just a meal

DELIVERING meals to the doors of locals is not just the domain of take-away food couriers.

‘More than just a meal’ is the theme of this year’s National Meals on Wheels Day on Wednesday August 31.

Open Arms Care Inc. which operates Bellingen Meals on Wheels will use the awareness day to highlight the service’s valuable contribution to the community and appeal for volunteers to help carry out the vital work.

Founding member of Bellingen Meals on Wheels, Val Rose has been dedicated to delivering meals to the doors of the needy for a remarkable 39 years.

The service employs seven staff, has 88 volunteers across five programs and provides meals for 267 people in the region.

Open Arms Care Inc.’s Melissa Rose said while the tradition and values of Meals on Wheels remained true to its 55-year-old origins, a focus on engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life was unfolding.

“This trend is bringing renewed energy, ideas and vision to help the organisation continue to provide a vital service,” Ms Rose said.

“While the service receives some government funding it could not operate without volunteers to keep costs down and make meals affordable for clients.

“The people Bellingen Meals on Wheels serve in most cases are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves and allowing people to stay in their homes where most are happiest is at the heart of our organisation.”

Clients can self-refer to Meals on Wheels if they believe they may benefit from the service or they can be referred by a health practitioner or family member.

Program co-ordinators are always looking for new volunteers to contribute a few hours a fortnight.